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Citizens Advice responds to Farnish Review

20 March 2015

Citizens Advice has today highlighted the importance of free, impartial debt advice as the Treasury publishes the independent review, led by Christine Farnish, into the Money Advice Service.  The national charity has also recognised the importance of MAS coordinating debt services.

Citizens Advice Chief Executive Gillian Guy said:

“High quality debt advice can transform people’s lives.  The Farnish Review rightly recognises the difference free, independent debt advice, as provided by Citizens Advice, has in helping people get out of financial difficulty and the role the Money Advice Service has in coordinating these services.  

“With many people struggling to make ends meet there is still an unmet demand when it comes to help with debts and so prioritising funding for face to face advice is really important.  It is pleasing that as a result of the review energy and water companies have donated funds to the Money Advice service for debt help.    

“It is important MAS continue to work with the advice sector to develop debt services, and to look at where there are gaps to be filled.  We also agree that exploring bringing money advice and debt help together is a sensible next step.”

Notes to editors:

  1. The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local bureaux, all of which are independent charities, the Citizens Advice consumer service and national charity Citizens Advice. Together we help people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more see the Citizens Advice website.
  2. The advice provided by the Citizens Advice service is free, independent, confidential, and impartial, and available to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.
  3. To find your local bureau in England and Wales, visit citizensadvice.org.uk. You can also get advice online at adviceguide.org.uk
  4. You can get consumer advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 or 03454 04 05 05 for Welsh language speakers
  5. Citizens Advice Bureaux in England and Wales advised 2.3 million clients on 5.4 million problems from October 2013 to September 2014. For full 2013/2014  service statistics see our quarterly publication Advice trends
  6. Citizens Advice service staff are supported by more than 21,000 trained volunteers, working at over 3,000 service outlets across England and Wales.